Motion Correction in Proton Resonance Frequency-based Thermometry in the Liver

Area of Science:

• Medical Imaging
• Biophysics
• Interventional Radiology

Background:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers noninvasive, in vivo temperature measurement capabilities.
• Proton resonance frequency (PRF) thermometry is a key MRI technique for monitoring thermal interventions.
• Motion sensitivity limits PRF thermometry in moving organs, hindering clinical application in areas like the liver.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and summarize advancements in motion-corrected thermometry for the liver.
• To provide an overview of PRF thermometry principles and challenges.
• To discuss various motion correction strategies for liver applications.

Main Methods:

• Introduction to the physical principles of PRF thermometry.
• Discussion of challenges including fat phase modulation and magnetic field drifts.
• Categorization of motion correction methods: general compensation, library-based, referenceless, and hybrid approaches.

Main Results:

• Several developments indicate that motion-corrected thermometry in the liver is becoming achievable.
• Diverse attempts to correct thermometry in the liver are presented.
• The article outlines different categories of motion correction techniques.

Conclusions:

• Motion-corrected thermometry holds promise for real-time monitoring of interventional procedures in the liver.
• Further clinical validation in larger patient groups is required.
• The ultimate goal is to achieve complete liver tumor ablation using accurate, motion-corrected thermometry.